While the film isn't the sort of thing that leaves you weeping and bawling like a little child who lost their first gold fish to the tsunami within a toilet bowl, it will leave you emotionally drained and pondering about what your own actions might have been during that time.
This isn't some fanciful suspense film or overwrought drama with silly and contrived moments of intrigue or thrills. It's a very realized and realistic dramatization of the life led by Stalin's projectionist, Ivan Sanchin, an idealistic and naive young man.
It starts with his life in 1939 and wraps up just after 1953. During this seemingly short period of time A LOT transpires that encourages, invigorates, diminishes, dampens, and revitalizes Ivan's perception on life, love, fear, and loyalty.
What makes this film so soul-crushingly gripping is the turn of events that involve Ivan and his wife. I imagine it's the sort of stress and challenge a lot of couples went through during those trying times: constantly worrying about being labeled a traitor, doing whatever you can to avoid being labeled a traitor, and sacrificing (and compromising) your own moral standards to avoid trouble.
It's heart-wrenching no doubt, but it's not like the characters are blameless, especially Ivan. Certain choices (or lack of choice) led him to a despair of his own making. But upon reflection, how many of us would have done the same thing he did when put in dire straits?
This is what makes The Inner Circle compelling. It's not like it's a completely fictionalized take on Stalinist Russia like the almost ridiculously absurd film Child 44. It's the subtle and ominous presence of being whisked away by the police for having been ratted out by neighbors; or the fear of being labeled a traitor for not giving in to the whims of the higher-ups.
It's the sleazy element of power that those within the higher command held that makes it all such a tense and thrilling watch. It's rare we get films like this these days.
There are no car chases, leaps from buildings, or shootouts to be had, yet it's a more gripping film than most action fanfare that Hollywood puts out. If you're ready for a few tears and a re-evaluation of what's important to you in life, definitely watch The Inner Circle.
This isn't some fanciful suspense film or overwrought drama with silly and contrived moments of intrigue or thrills. It's a very realized and realistic dramatization of the life led by Stalin's projectionist, Ivan Sanchin, an idealistic and naive young man.
It starts with his life in 1939 and wraps up just after 1953. During this seemingly short period of time A LOT transpires that encourages, invigorates, diminishes, dampens, and revitalizes Ivan's perception on life, love, fear, and loyalty.
What makes this film so soul-crushingly gripping is the turn of events that involve Ivan and his wife. I imagine it's the sort of stress and challenge a lot of couples went through during those trying times: constantly worrying about being labeled a traitor, doing whatever you can to avoid being labeled a traitor, and sacrificing (and compromising) your own moral standards to avoid trouble.
It's heart-wrenching no doubt, but it's not like the characters are blameless, especially Ivan. Certain choices (or lack of choice) led him to a despair of his own making. But upon reflection, how many of us would have done the same thing he did when put in dire straits?
This is what makes The Inner Circle compelling. It's not like it's a completely fictionalized take on Stalinist Russia like the almost ridiculously absurd film Child 44. It's the subtle and ominous presence of being whisked away by the police for having been ratted out by neighbors; or the fear of being labeled a traitor for not giving in to the whims of the higher-ups.
It's the sleazy element of power that those within the higher command held that makes it all such a tense and thrilling watch. It's rare we get films like this these days.
There are no car chases, leaps from buildings, or shootouts to be had, yet it's a more gripping film than most action fanfare that Hollywood puts out. If you're ready for a few tears and a re-evaluation of what's important to you in life, definitely watch The Inner Circle.